Why Is May 4th Star Wars Day?
May 4th has transformed from a pun shared among a few into a staple date within pop culture, now embraced by millions worldwide. It has become a day where fans celebrate the rich history and anticipated future of the most expansive franchise in entertainment history. May 4th is… Star Wars Day.
But why was May 4th chosen as the annual date to celebrate Star Wars? Let’s do a deep dive into the origins of this now pivotal Star Wars fandom day of celebration.
Star Wars Debuts on May 25th, 1977
The original Star Wars film premiered on May 25, 1977. Back then, there were no episodes. There weren’t even any subtitles for the movie title (no A New Hope). Those title elements didn’t start to turn up until the re-release of the original film in theaters before the sequel was about to debut. Before then, it was just Star Wars. But Star Wars wasn't just any film release — it became a cultural tsunami that forever altered the landscape of cinema.
George Lucas’s epic space opera burst onto the scene with groundbreaking special effects, a compelling narrative filled with archetypical heroes and villains, and a dynamic score by John Williams. It not only captivated audiences but also redefined what a movie blockbuster could be.
The movie ignited the imagination of millions, spawning a franchise that would transcend its medium to influence not just film, but also books, television, video games, and virtually every facet of pop culture.
Its debut marked the beginning of the modern blockbuster era, turning Hollywood's eyes toward franchises, merchandising, and the vast potential of special effects, fantasy, and science fiction.
Star Wars quickly became more than just a hit movie — it evolved into a shared language of enthusiasm and escapism that continues to resonate with generations of fans around the world.
Star Wars Day and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher?
Yes. It’s an odd connection. But history tells the tale of how Star Wars and iconic British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher became forever connected.
“May the Force Be With You…”
Within the Star Wars zeitgeist, the sentence is intended to wish someone in the Star Wars universe good luck, imbued with the Force's mystic energy, which is central to the lore of Star Wars. Since the words were uttered in the first film, many Star Wars characters have repeated the sentiment on every Star Wars platform.
This phrase is the true original of Star Wars Day.
“May the Fourth Be With You…”
The phrase "May the Fourth be with you" plays a charming wordplay on the classic Star Wars benediction, "May the Force be with you."
In 1978, Star Wars was still going strong, quickly becoming the pop culture movement it was destined to be. “May the Force be with you” was common speak to everyone who had a finger on the pulse of pop culture at the time. People young and old could find the phrase on t-shirts, buttons, posters, magnets, bumper stickers, and pretty much every licensed and unlicensed product you could imagine.
Witty newspaper writers began to use a twist on the Star Wars phrase to celebrate America’s Independence Day (July 4th).
Across the “pond,” on May 4, 1979, Margaret Thatcher officially became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Her political party placed a congratulatory advertisement in The London Evening News that read, "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations."
If you want a moment of mind-blownness, here’s a fun little fact. At the time of that Margaret Thatcher headline, the sequel to Star Wars — The Empire Strikes Back — was shooting in nearby Elstree Studios. That’s right… that issue of The London Evening News likely arrived on the doorstep of Lucasfilm’s Elstree Studios offices.
The clever pun slowly began to work its way through Lucasfilm Star Wars productions. In 1982, then-sound recordist of Revenge of the Jedi (later retitled Return of the Jedi) Randy Thom (now Director of Sound Design for Skywalker Sound) came up with the pun on his own. He began to share it internally within the production, and eventually began sending out annual messages wishing employees a Happy Fourth with, “May the Fourth be with you.”
In 2005, Lucasfilm decided to use the pun as a marketing push for Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend. It was still in theaters, having debuted in May. A creative poster was made to get people back into the theaters for the July Fourth weekend.
Once Star Wars intellectual property rights were acquired by Disney in 2012 after George Lucas sold Lucasfilm and its properties for billions, Disney’s marketing juggernaut embraced the phrase.
May 4th became Star Wars Day in the eyes of the company, and especially the fans who really drove the original fandom dynamics of “May the Fourth Be With You.”
With all Star Wars Original Trilogy and Prequel Trilogy films having debuted in May, along with the word “may” already within the iconic phrase, it was a no-brainer that if we were going to have a Star Wars Day to celebrate, it would be on May 4th.
Star Wars Day Today
Every year on May 4th, legions of Star Wars fans across the galaxy come together to celebrate Star Wars Day, a tribute to George Lucas's groundbreaking sci-fi saga. This fan-created holiday has turned into a global phenomenon, complete with special events, merchandise releases/deals, and movie marathons.
The Toys of Our Lives celebrates this joyous holiday each year, offering 20% off of all Star Wars-related storewide. We always encourage our customers to embrace Star Wars Day by visiting the store in their full Star Wars gear, be it detailed cosplay costumes, full Star Wars-inspired makeup (for those most dedicated fans), or a simple t-shirt. Take pictures in the store. Get amazing deals on those coveted Star Wars items you’ve had your eye on, and walk the store aisles to find new Star Wars treasures to bring home with you.
2024’s Star Wars Day thankfully falls on a Saturday (May 4th), which means we have our extended Saturday hours of 12-7 to celebrate! May the fourth be with you…
Let The Toys of Our Lives help you on your nostalgic toy-collecting journey. Check out our online store as we continue to add more and more pieces to our vast library of toys and collectibles, or come visit our brick-and-mortar store in Verona, WI!
